DEFINITION re-lapse (verb)To fall back into a previous
condition, especially after a partial recovery from illness.

We
believe that our addiction is a disease; a disease from which we can recover
one day at a time. As with any other disease, the potential for relapse is
very real and deadly. The greatest difference between our disease and say,
that of cancer, is we have a choice. It's with this fact in mind that we of
Cocaine Anonymous wish to offer our experience as it relates to relapse -
both prevention and recovery.

PREVENTIONThe following suggestions have
been invaluable to the prevention of relapse by those of us in recovery in
Cocaine Anonymous.

1)
ABSTINENCE- We suggest that any person desiring
recovery abstain from the use of any mind-altering substances. We have
found that as addicts, we possess an uncanny ability to switch drugs.
Again, addiction is not the drug, it is the disease.

2)
TRIGGERS- Many of us weren't aware of those things
that prompted our use. We view these as triggers, some of which are as
follows:

PLACES- In recovery, we found it wise to be aware
of our motives for being in certain places. Most of us found it necessary
to stay away from clubs, parties, rock houses, pool halls and other places
where we used.

PEOPLE - It's difficult to
understand, but necessary to do, and that is to stay away from our using
friends. We had to be mindful that they too are sick and at no time are we
stronger in our recovery than they are in their disease. They have the
power to trigger our relapse by and through their behavior.

DEALING- Here, many of us face a dilemma. We were
addicted to the money and the excitement. We dealt for power and for
control. Many of us relapse because we lost sight of our lack of personal
power.

3)
MEETINGS- We suggest a
meeting a day for newcomers.
We also suggest a meeting whenever you don't feel like you need one. We
have found that WHEN WE DON'T WANT TO GO is WHEN WE DO NEED TO GO. Again,
meetings are where our collective experience, strength and hope are shared.

4)
KEEPING IN TOUCH- Keeping in touch with a sponsor or friend
in recovery is an ideal way of keeping your focus on recovery.

5)
HUNGRY- Don't get too hungry. While Cocaine
Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues, we have found that it's
difficult to maintain emotional balance without the aid of eating regularly
throughout the day.

6)
ANGRY- It is said that this emotion is best left
up to those better equipped to deal with it. As people in recovery, we have
found that lingering anger, whether justified or not, is better left to
others. There is no shorter course to getting loaded than a run with anger
and resentment.

7)
LONELY- It's been our experience that an addict
alone by himself is the worst possible company. Again, we suggest meetings
and fellowship. For those of us who isolated behind closet and bathroom
doors or tin-foiled windows, being around others is at first an unnerving
experience.

After
we tried it, and sincerely gave it some time, we found a new freedom and
friendships that we never dreamed possible.

8)
TIRED- It took some time for many of us to reach
regular sleep habits. While it's not known of people dying of lack of
sleep, we do know of many instances where a tired addict reached for that
bump or jump-start and relapsed.

9)
ACTION/WORK- Again, we say that it's a rare case where
someone actually working the steps has relapsed. We have found that as long
as our focus is on the steps and the action required to work them, relapse
is a remote, rare thought.

10)
PHRASES- These simple sayings or prayers have
helped many of us through those times:

This Too Shall PassIt's difficult to remember,
but in daily recovery, whatever the feeling or problem is, it will pass on.

The Serenity Prayer "God, grant me the
serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things
I can, and wisdom to know the difference."

This prayer is not designed to make a problem disappear. Its purpose is
to bring peace to the user.